Speaking in Tongues
Tackling another tough one here. Speaking in tongues (also known as Glossolalia).
Simply put, some Christians believe in speaking (and/or praying) in tongues. For some, this appears as mindless babbling; for others, it is a direct communication with God. So lets look at the different aspects of it, as well as what scripture says:
Language of the Angels
There is no doubt that God and the Angels have a language of communication. There is also no doubt that God and the Angels know and understand perfectly all of man's languages. It is highly unlikely that God's language is one that we know.
Reasons for speaking in tongues:
Those that speak in tongues give several reasons. This article explains it from the source. Generally speaking, those that speak in tongues will give one or more of a few reasons:
- Direct communication with God.
- Prayer for the unknown.
- Edification of the Believer.
Funny though:
When Jesus referenced tongues, the more literal translation of Mark 16:17 is "...they will speak in previously unknown languages..." See this article for more. Proper definition here.
Other references:
Several times in Acts, the Apostles spoke in unknown languages. Each time, it was to witness to others present who had different native languages than the speakers.
Other references in the New Testament of speaking in tongues (which should really be said: "speaking in unknown foreign languages") were made by Paul, and it was indicated to be a gift of the Spirit.
Think about it - how could you possibly speak suddenly in an unknown language without God's help?
The sad truth:
Having attended many pentecostal and "charismatic" churches, 99% of the time I've seen people "speaking in tongues" it was to get attention... not to give glory to God, and certainly not as the gift was used in the New Testament.
Conclusion:
Worship as you will, but the Gift of Tongues as introduced by Christ Jesus and expanded upon by the Apostle Paul was simply a gift to allow someone to witness to others in a language they hadn't previously learned.
Simply put, some Christians believe in speaking (and/or praying) in tongues. For some, this appears as mindless babbling; for others, it is a direct communication with God. So lets look at the different aspects of it, as well as what scripture says:
Language of the Angels
There is no doubt that God and the Angels have a language of communication. There is also no doubt that God and the Angels know and understand perfectly all of man's languages. It is highly unlikely that God's language is one that we know.
Reasons for speaking in tongues:
Those that speak in tongues give several reasons. This article explains it from the source. Generally speaking, those that speak in tongues will give one or more of a few reasons:
- Direct communication with God.
- Prayer for the unknown.
- Edification of the Believer.
Funny though:
When Jesus referenced tongues, the more literal translation of Mark 16:17 is "...they will speak in previously unknown languages..." See this article for more. Proper definition here.
Other references:
Several times in Acts, the Apostles spoke in unknown languages. Each time, it was to witness to others present who had different native languages than the speakers.
Other references in the New Testament of speaking in tongues (which should really be said: "speaking in unknown foreign languages") were made by Paul, and it was indicated to be a gift of the Spirit.
Think about it - how could you possibly speak suddenly in an unknown language without God's help?
The sad truth:
Having attended many pentecostal and "charismatic" churches, 99% of the time I've seen people "speaking in tongues" it was to get attention... not to give glory to God, and certainly not as the gift was used in the New Testament.
Conclusion:
Worship as you will, but the Gift of Tongues as introduced by Christ Jesus and expanded upon by the Apostle Paul was simply a gift to allow someone to witness to others in a language they hadn't previously learned.
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